There are many challenges to remote learning, and despite the fact that we are in our third National Lockdown in the UK, and that teachers, students and parents are far more au fait with the process now, families and educators are still keen to know what resources and websites are most helpful to support their … Continue reading Literacy in Lockdown: Supporting Students Remotely
Teaching Transactional Writing Using the Syrian Refugee Crisis
When the new 9-1 GCSEs arrived, teachers of English all over the country were outraged for a number a reasons. There was the fact that now long standing book stocks needed to be replaced during major funding cuts to schools, but a much bigger issue was the removal of texts from anywhere other than this … Continue reading Teaching Transactional Writing Using the Syrian Refugee Crisis
Sci-Fi Convention: World Book Day 2017
To give a bit of context, I work at a truly wonderful, secondary school called Wilmington Academy, a non-selective school in North-West Kent, and part of the Leigh Academies Trust. The school had gone into ‘Special Measures’ in 2009, but with hard work and perseverance, the school was able to rise from the ashes in 2012, when … Continue reading Sci-Fi Convention: World Book Day 2017
The Tri-Wizard Tournament: World Book Day Festival 2016
Anyone who has read the iconic 'Harry Potter' series by J. K. Rowling has wanted to go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The robes, the quidditch matches, moving staircases, and wizard duelling; but sadly no such place exists. Until now. Unsatisfied with the lack of viable wizarding school places available in the South … Continue reading The Tri-Wizard Tournament: World Book Day Festival 2016
World Book Day 2015: The Hunger Games Festival
When I first suggested a Hunger Games Festival for World Book Day this year I was met with a variety of opinions: "Interesting . . . how would you go about doing that?" "Awesome! I can't wait for that!" "Riiighht . . ." 'What are The Hunger Games?" What are "The Hunger Games" indeed. For … Continue reading World Book Day 2015: The Hunger Games Festival
Teacher’s Tax Rebate Made Simple
As a foreign teacher working in the UK, it took me a couple of years to work out the tax system and how to make the most of it. You mean I don't have to submit a tax return each year? The tax year starts from April 1st? Once this is all said and done … Continue reading Teacher’s Tax Rebate Made Simple
Review of ‘Horns’ by Joe Hill
After the grief suffered after the murder of his soulmate, Ig Perrish finds himself recovering from one of the worst hangovers of his life. There are the usual signs: migraines, muscle pain. Yet unlike the other times he finds himself also addressing the issue of two tiny horns protruding from his forehead. Along with this … Continue reading Review of ‘Horns’ by Joe Hill
“A Teacher’s Work is Never Done”: The Work-Life Balance Dilemma
When I started my teaching career, to say I was overwhelmed by the workload would be a major understatement. I'd survived a practicum placement that at times made me feel sure I was having a nervous breakdown, so it was with a heavy heart and a slightly broken will power that I sought the advice … Continue reading “A Teacher’s Work is Never Done”: The Work-Life Balance Dilemma
Literacy Luddite 